Title: Animal Health Specialist II

Application Deadline Date: 12/22/2025

Req ID: 53942

Department: Agriculture, Food & Markets Agency

Location:

Home Based, VT, US

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: $27.50

Maximum Salary: $42.94

Overview

Are you passionate about agriculture, animal health, and public service? The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is seeking an Animal Health Specialist to join a dynamic field-based team dedicated to protecting Vermont's livestock industries and food supply. This position performs a wide range of inspection, investigation, compliance, and outreach activities involving livestock operations, animal transporters and dealers, agricultural events, and other regulated facilities across the state.

In this role, you will conduct field inspections, review animal health documentation and permits, investigate alleged violations, collect samples for disease surveillance, and support disease response activities when needed. You will work closely with farmers, veterinarians, business owners, law enforcement, and state and federal partners while providing education and technical assistance to the regulated community. This is a highly independent role with strong professional support from the Animal Health Section and the Assistant State Veterinarian.

This position offers a unique mix of fieldwork, public service, problem-solving, and emergency response in a fast-paced and ever-changing agricultural environment. Work may include participation in emergency preparedness and response activities related to animal disease or agricultural incidents. Positions are assigned to one of two service regions: the Northwest Region (Franklin, Chittenden, Washington, and western Lamoille Counties) or the Southern Region (Addison, Rutland, southern Windsor, Bennington, and Windham Counties).

Regular travel within the assigned region is required, with occasional work outside normal business hours. The work performed in this role is highly rewarding, directly supporting Vermont's farmers, agricultural businesses, and consumers by helping to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient food system for all Vermonters.

Who May Apply

This position, Animal Health Specialist II (Job Requisition #53942), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level I: 53938

Level II: 53942

Level III: 53943

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Chelsea.VanThof@vermont.gov

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in the field with exposure to potentially dangerous animals, zoonotic pathogens, and noxious chemicals. Differences of opinion and emotional reactions may be encountered and must be dealt with in a firm, objective, and helpful manner. Work may be necessary outside of normally designated work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree or higher in animal science, biological science, or a veterinary assistance program and two (2) or more years of experience livestock farming, livestock farm management, or other livestock related enterprises.

OR

High school graduation or equivalent AND three (3) years of experience livestock farming, livestock farm management, or other livestock related enterprises.

OR

One (1) year or more at the Animal Health Specialist I level or the equivalent position in a similar government organization.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Low cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.